Root Samsung Galaxy J3 3G Duos (SM-J320H/ DS)

The Galaxy J3 2016 (or J3 3G Duos) is a great budget segment offering by Samsung, with its sleek design, decent RAM, and enough juice to last the day. It also features the S Bike Mode, aiming to reduce distractions while driving or riding. On the flip side, the camera performance is just average, and the chipset doesn’t have good benchmark scores, even for entry level standards. But then, you get what you pay for. Let us look at some of the key specs:

In this article, we will discuss how to install a custom recovery (TWRP) and root this device. It is a relatively simple process, there is no need to use command prompt or install ADB. All credit goes to XDA recognized contributor ashyx.

Before You Start

This guide works only for Samsung Galaxy J3 3G Duos, model no. SMJ320H/DS, Chipset- Spreadtrum SC8830A. Make sure all the numbers match; trying this on any other device can potentially brick your phone.

Knox Counter

This is a security feature recently introduced by Samsung. Normally, it is a very useful tool, especially if your device is lost or stolen. It keeps your data safe, and it’s impossible to reset factory settings, or flash ROMs without having access your Samsung account. However, it also keeps a track on the number of times your phone has been heavily modified (rooting, flashing and that kind of stuff). Once the Knox counter is tripped, those security features will be disabled, and your warranty will be void. Furthermore, reflashing stock ROM will not reset the Knox counter. There is no universal way of resetting Knox, though there are several experimental methods in XDA.

This method will trip your Knox counter.

Systemless Root

This is a separate approach to rooting, developed by Chainfire back in 2015. It basically grants root access without modifying the /system partition, and does its job in the /boot partition instead. Systemless root is used for all Samsung devices running Android 5.1 or above. Advantages of this method are:

Easier installation of OTA Updates

Easier to unroot

Lesser chances of soft bricking your device (safer method)

This method, therefore, uses systemless root.

Warning: rooting is an inherently risky process. Not only will it void your warranty, but the device can get bricked any time. Please proceed at your own risk.